The night had wrapped Maple Hollow in a gentle stillness, the faint glow of streetlights reflecting off the wet leaves from an earlier rain. Inside Hannah's apartment, the warm golden light of lamps filled the space, mingling with the lingering scent of tea and baked goods from the day.
Emma was curled up on the couch with a blanket over her shoulders, sketchbook set aside as her attention stayed on Hannah. Hannah moved around the room with quiet efficiency, tidying up, adjusting a few items, and humming softly — her presence alone making the apartment feel alive and comfortable.
"You make everything feel… softer," Emma said quietly, her voice carrying a warmth that tugged at Hannah's chest.
Hannah paused and glanced at her, a gentle smile touching her lips. "I think it's easier when someone makes the space feel alive," she replied, settling beside Emma on the couch. Their shoulders brushed, and their fingers found each other naturally, weaving together in a quiet intimacy that needed no words.
Emma leaned into her, letting her head rest lightly against Hannah's shoulder. "It's the little things, isn't it? The evenings like this, the walks, the quiet moments… everything feels easier when it's just us."
Hannah's thumb brushed softly over Emma's hand. "Everything with you feels… right," she murmured.
They sat in comfortable silence, letting the calm of the evening settle around them. The glow of the lamps, the subtle hum of the world outside, and the steady warmth between them made everything feel steady, full, and certain.
When Emma finally stood to leave, they lingered at the door, hands still intertwined. "See you tomorrow?" Hannah asked softly.
"Always," Emma replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Every day with you is worth it."
Hannah watched her leave, the quiet of the apartment wrapping around her like a soft promise — that even ordinary evenings could feel extraordinary when shared together.